Price wars heat up

The recent introduction of a $45 unlimited calling and texting plan by Tracfone Wireless has kicked off another round of price wars in the wireless industry, which may lead to consolidation in the prepaid market, according to The Washington Post.

In recent months, prepaid offerings have gotten more popular as they have become cheaper and don't require a credit check or lengthy service contract.

Likewise, carriers have looked to them as a way to lure subscribers away from each other with really aggressive offerings.

NTT DoCoMo, Japan's largest mobile phone operator, has spent $45.5 million to take a 35% share in a US company that makes multimedia technology for its mobile phones, according to Associated Press.

The cellular carrier made the investment in PacketVideo, a San Diego-based company that makes a multimedia player used in its handsets.

NTT DoCoMo says the purchase was made to strengthen its music and video services domestically.

Sprint Nextel has signed an agreement with Pinnacle Airlines to provide a comprehensive suite of integrated fixed line and wireless solutions, reports Trading Markets.

Fixed line services include MPLS network services, SIP trunking, mobile integration and international long distance, and wireless services include mobile broadband, wireless WAN with DataLink, land mobile radio and in-building coverage.

Sprint Nextel will supply more than 1 100 voice and data devices to support the converged solution.